Vigil is far from the biggest name. But the 2016 third-round pick is now one of the senior-most members of the defense and at OTAs is quickly morphing into the face of the unit, especially since he’s been lining up other players, per Bengals.com:

Vigil says Anarumo has done a nice job “making it simple for us so we don’t have to think as much,” but new linebackers coach Tem Lukabu has been impressed with how Vigil has been using his head in getting people lined up and diagnosing what the offense is running. He’d like to help Vigil stay healthy, but it’s just not him.

Leadership and the on-field mic usually went to Burfict, even with is sporadic appearances in games. But he’s in Oakland now so the role shifts to Vigil, a three-down linebacker the Bengals hope can lead the unit in a stunning turnaround.

“We were saying it’s a new look. No Vontaze. No Vinny. No Rey from back when I was here early,” Vigil said. “I’ve had a lot of reps over the past two years. So I’m pretty comfortable in there. I understand what offenses are trying to do a little more. I’m more aware of situational football.”

For this to work out the way the new Bengals coaching staff envisions, Vigil will have to stay healthy. He has only appeared in 11 games in each of his past two seasons, though the Bengals staff was encouraged by his play late last year.

Vigil will have Preston Brown back with him on early downs next year, though the shape of the unit as a whole continues to change. Third-round pick Germaine Pratt could break into some playing time and so could Malik Jefferson, a third-round pick from last year.

But given his experience and effectiveness when on the field, not to mention communication responsibilities, the Bengals linebackers will go as Vigil goes in 2019.